The Marin Municipal Water District will have to find a new leader by the end of the year.

Krishna Kumar, 60, who took over the water district in October 2012, replacing Paul Helliker, will step down in December.

During his tenure, Kumar dealt with rate increases, drought and dam inspections.

“I think we have been able to maintain excellent customer service 24/7,” said Kumar, who lives in San Rafael. “I was personally vested in that for the community and we held up that part of the bargain.”

Kumar, known for a calm demeanor, said it was a quality that helped relax the culture at the water district.

“The culture here has changed dramatically,” he said. “We really helped each other as a team to deliver the product.”

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the district general manager.

Last year, Kumar announced a plan was to raise water rates on July 1 and again on July 1, 2018, increases that would have totaled 14 percent. Hikes in 2015 and 2016 resulted in an increase of 27 percent.

But after a community backlash, the district modified its rate hike plan to 7 percent last year and will consider a 7 percent hike on July 1, 2019. Before a 2019 increase is considered, the board will notify the public and hold a hearing no later than June 1, 2019.

Kumar acknowledged that period was not easy.

“Repeated rate increases were hard,” he said. “Who can stand that?”

While not always agreeing with Kumar, tax watchdog Susan Kirsch said he was fair and ready to listen.

“He is one of the most personable agency leaders we have,” said Kirsch, who is part of the group Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers. “He is willing to sit down and talk, to his credit. It’s a great example for government to be able to listen even if there may be a disagreement.”

Kumar also led the district through a statewide drought. State orders issued in May 2015 required the water district to cut use by 20 percent to battle the drought. Conservation urged by the district helped keep reservoirs full in Marin and the impact was minimal.

More recently reservoir spillways underwent inspections to make sure they are safe in the wake of the Oroville Dam problems.

Water district board member Jack Gibson said Kumar will be missed.

“He has worked out letter perfect,” Gibson said. “He understands the value of public service. He handled all the tough issues really well and is very skilled at personal relations. He is an honest man. People trust him.”

Gibson said the district will look at internal candidates and those outside the agency to replace Kumar. While three of the five seats on the water board are up for grabs in the November election, Gibson said the agency would not wait to work on finding a new leader.

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Kumar — who is paid $273,000 annually — had been with the Valley of the Moon Water District in Sonoma County before arriving in Marin. He plans to hike to the Mount Everest base camp in 2019.